Aside from the Tanglaw Award, the Visayas Consortium for Agriculture and Resources Program (ViCARP) was also awarded a Plaque of Recognition as 1st Runner Up in the CY 2013 Ugnay Award during the said ceremony. The award that carries a cash incentive of PhP500,000 was received by Dr. Bacusmo together with Dr. Othello B. Capuno, VP for Research and Extension and ViCARP Director.
In his message read by Director Bernie S. Justimbaste of DOST’s Planning and Evaluation Service, Secretary Montejo congratulated PCAARRD for honoring individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions in harnessing science, technology and innovation for agriculture, fishery, and natural resources sectors.
The DOST Secretary emphasized that his department is guided by the“Tuwid na Daan”of the President that calls to accelerate our economic momentum in a way that will substantially reduce poverty in our country. Sec. Montejo has taken on the challenge. “We are making specific commitments to the President and the Filipino people. These commitments shall ensure that benefits are indeed realized for those whose livelihood depends on agriculture, fishery and natural resources,” Montejo stressed.
The DOST Secretary also disclosed that the awarding event was, therefore, timely and fitting as it amplifies the importance of collaboration, partnerships, and hard work towards the vision of a better, brighter and Smarter Philippines—a Philippines wherein people have an abundance of hope, and are empowered to help and better their own lives, and that of their families.
The activity was dovetailed on the theme “PCAARRD: Kaagapay sa Pag-unlad ng Industriya ng Sakahan at Pangisdaan.”